Leaders of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) met today with youth delegates from across Palau to discuss national and community-level strategies for climate adaptation and environmental resilience. The dialogue, held at the OEK Chamber Hall, was part of the “Voices for Tomorrow” youth engagement initiative aimed at integrating young perspectives into national policymaking.
The meeting brought together members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Conservation, the House of Delegates Youth Caucus, and representatives from schools, community organizations, and climate advocacy groups. Discussions centered on coastal erosion, food security, renewable energy adoption, and youth-led conservation projects in the outer states.
Senate President Isobel Tmetuchl commended the young participants, saying, “Your generation will inherit the decisions we make today. We are committed to ensuring your voices help shape Palau’s path toward a resilient and sustainable future.”
Youth delegate Kalei Uchel, representing the Palau High School Eco Club, urged policymakers to provide more support for school-based adaptation projects and environmental education, noting that “youth engagement must move beyond dialogue and into real community action.”
The OEK leadership pledged to establish a Youth Advisory Council on Climate Policy to provide ongoing input into upcoming legislation, including the Climate Resilience and Coastal Protection Act, currently under committee review.